A sterilization device comprising an ultraviolet (UV) electromagnetic radiation (EMR) emitting device, a detector configured to detect occupancy of a room associated with the sterilization device, and a controller operably connected to each of the UV EMR emitting device and the detector. The detector is configured to send a signal indicating occupancy to the controller upon a detection of occupancy. The controller is configured to operate the UV EMR emitting device to emit UV EMR only upon receiving a signal indicating no occupancy.
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1. A sterilization device comprising: an ultraviolet (UV) electromagnetic radiation (EMR) emitting device; a detector configured to detect occupancy of a room associated with the sterilization device; and a controller operably connected to each of the UV EMR emitting device and the detector; wherein the detector is configured to send a signal indicating occupancy to the controller upon a detection of occupancy; and wherein the controller is configured to operate the UV EMR emitting device to emit UV EMR upon receiving a signal indicating no occupancy.
A sterilization device uses ultraviolet (UV) light to kill germs in a room. It includes a UV light emitter, a sensor to detect if someone is in the room, and a controller. If the sensor detects someone, it signals the controller to keep the UV light off. If the sensor detects the room is empty, it signals the controller to turn on the UV light. This ensures the UV light only operates when the room is unoccupied.
2. The sterilization device according to claim 1 wherein the detector is configured to indicate occupancy upon the detection of either of a human or a domestic animal within a field of view of the sensor.
The sterilization device from the previous description has a sensor that detects the presence of humans or pets. The sensor's field of view is monitored, and if either a human or a domestic animal is detected, the sensor indicates the room is occupied, preventing the UV light from activating and ensuring safety for people and animals.
3. The sterilization device according to claim 1 wherein the UV EMR emitting device is configured to emit radiation within a wavelength range from 200 nm to 300 nm.
The sterilization device from the first description emits UV radiation within a specific range of wavelengths, from 200 nanometers to 300 nanometers. This particular range is effective for sterilization. The UV light emitter is designed to operate within this spectrum to maximize germ-killing efficiency.
4. The sterilization device according to claim 3 wherein the UV EMR emitting device is configured to emit radiation within a wavelength range from 260 nm to 270 nm.
Building on the previous description, the UV radiation emitted by the sterilization device is further refined to a narrower wavelength range, specifically from 260 nanometers to 270 nanometers. This finer tuning of the UV light spectrum aims to optimize the sterilization process and potentially minimize harmful side effects.
5. The sterilization device according to claim 1 wherein the UV EMR emitting device is configured to emit radiation having a peak intensity at 265 nm.
Continuing from the first description, the UV light emitted by the sterilization device has a peak intensity at a precise wavelength of 265 nanometers. This single-wavelength focus is intended to maximize the effectiveness of the UV radiation against microorganisms and to potentially improve safety.
6. The sterilization device according to claim 1 wherein the detector is further configured to determine if a surface in a field of view thereof is contaminated.
The sterilization device's sensor, in addition to detecting occupancy, can also determine if a surface within its view is contaminated. This contamination detection capability enhances the device's ability to target areas that require sterilization.
7. The sterilization device according to claim 6 wherein: the detector is configured to send a signal indicating contamination of a surface to the controller upon a detection of contamination of a surface in the field of view thereof; and the controller is configured to operate the UV EMR emitting device to emit UV EMR upon receiving both a signal indicating no occupancy and a signal indicating contamination.
Expanding on the previous description, the sterilization device's sensor not only detects contamination but also sends a signal to the controller. The controller will activate the UV light only if it receives two signals: one indicating that the room is unoccupied, and another confirming that a surface is contaminated. This ensures UV sterilization occurs only when needed and when it is safe.
8. The sterilization device according to claim 1 further comprising: a reservoir of dispersible titanium dioxide; and a dispersing device in fluidic communication with the reservoir of dispersible titanium dioxide; wherein the dispersing device is configured to disperse the dispersible titanium dioxide to coat surfaces to be sterilized.
In addition to UV light, the sterilization device also uses titanium dioxide (TiO2) for sterilization. The device includes a reservoir of dispersible TiO2 and a dispersing device that sprays the TiO2 to coat surfaces. The UV light then interacts with the TiO2 to further enhance the sterilization process.
9. The sterilization device according to claim 8 wherein the dispersing device may vary at least one dispersing characteristic selected from the group consisting of volume, flow rate, direction, pressure, angle of dispersion, and distance.
Furthering the description of the TiO2 dispensing, the dispersing device can adjust various spraying parameters, allowing for controlled application of the titanium dioxide. These adjustable parameters include the volume of TiO2 dispersed, the flow rate of the spray, the spray direction, the pressure of the spray, the angle of dispersion, and the distance the TiO2 is sprayed.
10. The sterilization device according to claim 1 comprising a plurality of UV EMR emitting devices; wherein at least one UV EMR emitting device of the plurality of UV EMR emitting devices is configured to emit radiation in a primarily different direction from another UV EMR device of the plurality of UV EMR emitting devices.
The sterilization device from the first description uses multiple UV light emitters, each pointing in different directions. This multi-directional approach ensures more complete coverage and sterilization of the room. At least one UV emitter points in a different direction than another.
11. The sterilization device according to claim 10 wherein: the controller is configured to operate a first set of the plurality of UV EMR emitting devices to provide a first level of irradiation in a first direction, defined as a first UV treatment, and a second set of the plurality of UV EMR emitting devices to provide a second level of irradiation in a second direction, defined as a second UV treatment; wherein the first level of irradiation is different from the second level of irradiation; and wherein the first direction comprises an area of irradiation not comprised by the second area of irradiation.
Continuing with multiple UV emitters, the sterilization device's controller can operate different sets of UV emitters at different intensities and directions. One set provides a "first UV treatment" in one direction, and another provides a "second UV treatment" in a different direction with a different intensity. The areas covered by the two treatments are not identical, allowing for targeted sterilization.
12. The sterilization device according to claim 11 wherein: the detector is configured to provide information to the controller regarding characteristics of the field of detection; and the controller is configured to determine each of the first UV treatment and the second UV treatment responsive to the information received from the detector.
The sensor in the sterilization device provides detailed information about the room to the controller. Based on this information, the controller determines the best way to use the UV emitters. The characteristics of the field of detection informs the decision-making process of the controller. The controller can then adjust the UV treatments based on sensor data.
13. The sterilization device according to claim 12 wherein the information comprises at least one of distance to a surface, surface area, an indication of whether a surface comprises titanium dioxide, and average occupancy rate.
The information provided by the sensor to the controller includes the distance to a surface, the surface area of objects in the room, whether the surface has a titanium dioxide coating, and the average occupancy rate of the room. This comprehensive data enables the controller to optimize the UV sterilization process for specific conditions.
14. The sterilization device according to claim 1 further comprising a network interface device configured to connect to a network; wherein the network interface device is configured to transmit indications generated by the detector across the network; and wherein the network interface device is configured to receive and relay to the controller information received from a remote processor across the network.
The sterilization device can connect to a network. A network interface transmits sensor data across the network and receives information from a remote processor. This allows for remote monitoring and control of the sterilization device, as well as integration with other smart devices and systems.
15. The sterilization device according to claim 1 further comprising a plurality of visible spectrum (VS) EMR devices configured to emit light within the visible spectrum range; wherein the controller is operably connected to the plurality of VS EMR devices.
The sterilization device includes visible light emitters in addition to the UV emitter. The controller is connected to these visible light emitters. The inclusion of visible light allows the device to also function as a regular light source, providing both sterilization and illumination capabilities.
16. A sterilization device comprising: an ultraviolet (UV) electromagnetic radiation (EMR) emitting device configured to emit radiation within a wavelength range from 200 nm to 300 nm; a detector configured to detect occupancy of a room associated with the sterilization device; and a controller operably connected to each of the UV EMR emitting device and the detector; wherein the detector is configured to provide information to the controller regarding characteristics of the field of detection; wherein the controller is configured to determine a UV treatment responsive to the information received from the detector; wherein the detector is configured to send a signal indicating occupancy to the controller upon a detection of occupancy and to send a signal indicating no occupancy upon not detecting occupancy; wherein the detector is further configured to determine if a surface in a field of view thereof is contaminated by a substance and to send a signal indicating contamination of a surface to the controller upon a detection of contamination of a surface in the field of view thereof; and wherein the controller is configured to operate the UV EMR emitting device to emit UV EMR upon receiving both a signal indicating no occupancy and a signal indicating contamination.
A sterilization device combines UV light and sensors to disinfect a room. It uses a UV emitter (200-300nm wavelength), a sensor to detect occupancy and contamination, and a controller. The sensor provides information about the room to the controller. The UV light is only activated when the room is unoccupied AND a surface is detected as contaminated by the sensor.
17. The sterilization device according to claim 16 wherein: the detector is configured to provide information to the controller regarding characteristics of the field of detection; the controller is configured to operate the UV EMR emitting device responsive to the information received from the detector; and the information comprises at least one of distance to a surface, surface area, an indication of whether a surface comprises titanium dioxide, and average occupancy rate.
Building upon the previous description, the sensor informs the controller about various characteristics of the room and directs UV emissions accordingly. The controller directs the UV light output based on sensor information like distance to surfaces, surface area, TiO2 coating presence, and occupancy rate. This allows tailored radiation emission.
18. The sterilization device according to claim 17 further comprising: a reservoir of dispersible titanium dioxide; and a dispersing device connected to the reservoir of dispersible titanium dioxide; wherein the dispersing device is configured to disperse the dispersible titanium dioxide to coat surfaces to be sterilized.
The sterilization device from previous description includes a reservoir of titanium dioxide, and sprays the TiO2. This allows UV radiation to act upon surfaces coated with TiO2.
19. The sterilization device according to claim 18 wherein: the controller is operatively coupled to the dispersing device; and the controller is configured to operate the dispersing device responsive to the information received from the detector.
Expanding on the TiO2 component, the device's controller is directly connected to the TiO2 dispersing device. The controller responds to information received from the occupancy sensors and can automatically adjust operation of the TiO2 dispersing device.
20. A sterilization device comprising: a plurality of ultraviolet (UV) electromagnetic radiation (EMR) emitting devices; a detector configured to detect occupancy of a room associated with the sterilization device; and a controller operably connected to each of the UV EMR emitting device and the detector; wherein the detector is configured to send a signal indicating occupancy to the controller upon a detection of occupancy and to send a signal indicating no occupancy upon not detecting occupancy; wherein the controller is configured to operate the UV EMR emitting device to emit UV EMR upon receiving a signal indicating no occupancy; and wherein the detector is configured to provide information to the controller regarding characteristics of the field of detection; wherein at least one UV EMR emitting device of the plurality of UV EMR emitting devices is configured to emit radiation in a primarily different direction from another UV EMR device of the plurality of UV EMR emitting devices; and wherein the controller is configured to operate the plurality of UV EMR emitting devices responsive to the information received from the detector.
A sterilization device uses multiple UV emitters, a sensor to detect occupancy, and a controller. The sensor tells the controller if the room is occupied, and can determine properties of the room to adjust the multiple UV emitters. The controller activates the UV light when the room is empty, and adjusts settings of each UV emitter in different directions based on data about the room provided by the sensor.
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June 3, 2015
March 21, 2017
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